Hastings, who has served as fair manager since August 2011, is also president of KTC Broadcasting Inc. The company owns and operates the “What’s Up Shopper” publication and radio stations WOHS in Shelby, WCSL in Cherryville and WLON in Lincolnton.

In a press release, Hastings said his responsibilities with KTC Broadcasting take much of his time and the fair needs someone who can give it their full attention.

His resignation takes effect July 26.

Hastings said he will help new management with this year’s fair, which is set for Sept. 26 through Oct. 5.

Last year’s fair was marked by six days of rain and an E. coli outbreak that sickened more than 100 people in Cleveland and surrounding counties. State and local health officials have said a petting zoo at the fair was the source of the E. coli outbreak, which has sparked lawsuits from some of the families of those sickened.

The Star asked Hastings if his resignation was connected to the fair’s connection to the E. coli outbreak.

“I can’t answer any E. coli questions,” Hastings said.

The Cleveland County Fair Association issued a statement Thursday night.

“The board of directors of the Cleveland County Fair Association has accepted the voluntary resignation of Calvin Hastings as fair manager and administrator,” the statement reads. “Everyone associated with the Cleveland County Fair wishes to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to Calvin for his nearly two years of service to the fair and to the citizens of Cleveland County. We wish him continued success in his growing business ventures outside of the fair and health and well-being for his family.”

No manager has yet been named, according to a press release from fair management.

In addition to this year’s fair, the fairgrounds is set to host American Legion World Series concerts Aug. 10. And the amateur radio festival Hamfest is set to the return to the fairgrounds Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 after a five-year stint in nearby Dallas, N.C.